I'm interested in being part of this SIG. I'm currently building a N Scale layout which won't necessarily lend itself to a standardised modular process however having seen the successful build process in the Model Railroader recently using 12" square modules it does seem to provide an basis for some quick win building and for bringing people together.

I have an idea to try this out within my extended family by providing the base units and then seeing what we can achieve say over maybe three months before coming back together for a running session (warts an all!!!)

There doesn't seem to be standard approach for N scale within the boundaries of the Forum - or am I not looking in the right places?

Hi Dean,
No response in 14 months indicates a fair degree of disinterest!
I floated a similar idea (T-trak) in the N Gauge Society Worldwide Group newsletter for the same reasons and the only response was from an active group with a Swedish influence in Ireland. There seems to be little interest otherwise, although it appears popular in other parts of the world and there was a large display layout at the Great Train Show in Indianapolis last year.
Whilst there are many advantages, the main (not insurmountable) drawbacks in a traditional show context are the low tabletop display height and lack of back drops.
Did you have a go yourself?
Geoff

Actually, I have got some good news in that the nearest group to me (Thamesiders based at Frating near Colchester) are very keen on N and this Saturday (20th) there is a discussion to see how we can make a go of it (all though I'm not sure T Trak is on the radar!!) - I had previously got some feedback from Steve Dennison and separately xx from the Black Diamonds team and of course there are the Worcester N Gaugers amongst others who do model in N - but again not in T Trak format.

I think the problem is not related to N not being modelled, it is (and I think it's the same no matter what the scale / gauge or format), the fact that the NMRABR forum doesn't seem to attract lots of people who want to share (know how or otherwise). A quick rummage through the postings will reveal the same names and very little traffic. A topic for another day though!!

I'm keen on backdrops because I want to create an illusion with my modelling and its another skill set that others could do even if they were not necessarily into the trains bit. It seems to be a simple process of having a detachable unit depending on the occasion.

As for height, it does really depend on the audience and whether they're playing or watching!

The home family T Trak plan is yet to materialise but that's down to me not pressing the go button because I'm distracted elsewhere - let's see where saturdays discussion goes - you never know.

Can't believe it's a year on! How did your discussions with the Thamesiders and the home family project go?

In the last couple of months I've built a couple of double modules close to Aussie Mini T-Trak N standards. Each module is 618mm x 186mm with the main 30mm from one edge. The slightly wider (than 150mm) depth is due to not wishing to spoil some existing ply used for the tops. I've also added height adjusters, just in case they can be used in a modular set-up.

The design is for a car cleaning facility with RIP line, notionally in the yard of a disused depot, that can double as an Inglenook type switching layout.

The impetus came after after setting up and breaking down another small, but more complex, layout at the Wealden Show on 10 March and wanting a replacement for Mahwah for the NGS Worldwide Group Convention on 21 April, so no pressure!

The modules have been designed double-sided, ie a through line at front in a modular setting, or using the main as a rear fiddle yard in a stand-alone/home switching context. Since the WWG Convention I have added loose sky boards that can sit in 'U' section plastic channel on either front or rear and which is also useful when the two units are boxed face to face for storage. The basics are done but vegetation and more detail is yet to be added.

Electrically, the layout has two sections and I am using a Medvend controller with 9v PP3 battery for track supply and 12v dc with (on)-off-(on) reversing switches for the KATO turnouts, but ultimately would like 100% battery operation with radio control. In modular format, the switching yard can be operated separately to the main.

I also have in development two boards (again recycled) that could be used for 180 degree turns, albeit using 216mm radius curves, that will give the further options of 'U' or 'O' formats. One of the boards is likely to be a take on the Red Caboose Motel near Strasburg, Pennsylvania.

I have been interested in N scale modular for a long time now, but not a clue who might want to do this in East Anglia.
I'd like to build to fine standards or FS160, but having said that, I have nothing yet.